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SALT

 
Richard Beck Review by Richard Beck 4 Published: 9 Mar 2026 Riverside Studios Show Dates: 3 Mar 2026-15 Mar 2026

Contemporary Ritual Theatre (CRT) is an exciting and highly imaginative company from Great Yarmouth, founded in 2022 “with the aim of creating innovative and challenging theatre projects”, of which SALT, at Riverside Studios, is a fine example.

Overwhelming joy comes from being immersed in another world.

From the outset we are transported into another world. The year is 1770 on the East Norfolk coast (although there is an amusing line that says Cromwell is dead, Charles is on the throne and “whoring is back in fashion!”). Man Billy (Mylo McDonald), a violent young fisherman, lives among the dunes with his domineering mother, Widow Pruttock (Emily Outred). It’s a brutal world where the people live on the land but depend on the sea for their survival. It’s a tightly knit fishing community where everyone knows everybody else and their business. Rumours, gossip and superstition are rife, and witchcraft is still a very real threat, as witnessed by the arrival of Sheldis (Bess Roche). She is a wild young woman with supernatural gifts – a travelling singer in colourful, shredded clothes, with a feathered hat and masks. As an outsider she is automatically treated with suspicion by Widow Pruttock. Billy becomes increasingly obsessed with her while his mother believes Sheldis to have bewitched him and will do anything to break the spell.

The situation opens up a host of scenarios that further the plot, while also giving insight into the period and the everyday life of people whose existence depends on the seasons, the weather and the tides, along with the hard work and bravery of men who subject themselves to the perils of the sea and women who labour endlessly preparing and selling the catch while maintaining homes and families.

The studio space is set out with a single circle of chairs, two deep in only a couple of places, for this immersive, in-the-round experience. As the lights dim the cast enter and survey the scene. They strike up the first of many songs that are woven throughout the narrative. Composer and musical director Anna Pool has compiled a collection that embraces the rich folk song and sea shanty traditions of the region, arising naturally out of the narrative and giving a sense of time, place and circumstance. Attention focuses on the thick, heavy mooring rope piled up centre stage that the trio gradually unravel to create a ceremonial ring, all the time engaged in song.

Over the course of two acts they assume multiple roles, the complexity of which can at times be confusing, but the overwhelming joy of being immersed in another world – of hearing fine voices strike up a cappella tunes and seeing characters brought to life by three highly accomplished actors – far outweighs any concerns in that area. These actors know their craft and deploy it fully.

Credit must also go to writer-director Beau Hopkins for his creativity in shaping the story and the poetic, vivid use of language, and to Cameron Culver for casting three outstanding performers, whom Amanda Harrold has costumed in suitably rustic period attire. Lighting design by Tim Tracey creates moods with subtle tones, while Lucy Cullingford’s movement direction makes maximum use of the space both within and outside the circle, employing rhythmic beats and step patterns to enhance the script and sense of ritual. Meanwhile the many props, created and stage managed by Lucinda Bray, simplistically befit the period and the actions of daily life.

SALT is a theatrical treat from a company that deserves recognition and support for its remarkable work in bringing to life both history and an oft-overlooked region that possesses a wealth of traditions and stories.

Amir Nisi

Richard Beck

A graduate in theology and education, Richard acted and contributed to dance, drama and music productions throughout his teaching career. He joined Broadway Baby in 2014 and is now our Editor-in-Chief. He usually disappears to warmer climes for the winter to pursue his passion for travel.

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The Blurb:

A dark and visceral tale of ancient fisherfolk. “That storm is comin’…” The East Norfolk coast, 1770. Man Billy, a violent young fisherman, lives among the dunes with his domineering mother, Widow Pruttock, in a wild, brutal world ruled by superstition and the dark beat of the sea. Into this savage life comes Sheldis, a travelling singer with supernatural gifts. As Billy's obsession with her grows, his mother, believing him bewitched, will do anything to break the spell.

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